A BLOG BY LINDSY READ

Friday, January 20, 2012

Lowered Expectations

In general, I try not to have high expectations about anything. I just don't like getting my hopes up. For instance, if you go into a movie after hearing that it's "the best movie EVER" you will always be disappointed. If you go in with no expectations, you are more likely to enjoy it! However, I have wanted to see the Grand Canyon for as long as I can remember and I cannot contain myself!!! We are heading up there tomorrow and spending the whole weekend camping in South Rim park. I want to shut off the computer and cell phone (but not the camera) and just take it all in.

While Dan is on tour he meets a lot of nice people, usually families, who take the band in when they don't have a place to stay. He has a huge network of friends all over the country.

On Thursday night we stayed with The VK's. A family of 5, all with brilliant blonde hair, and all equally entertaining. Upon entering their house, I found a music lovers mecca! Posters from festivals adorn every wall, there are signed albums and framed band posters everywhere. This family has hosted so many bands (they once hosted a group of 6 for 10 days straight!) that I just thought we'd be crashing in a spare room and fending for ourselves. (Go in with low expectations, never be disappointed). To my surprise, they wanted to take us out. To the KEG! It was amazing!!! I haven't eaten a meal that good in a long time. And, they are the nicest people! We talked about our trips to France and we are trying to convince Mr. VK, an avid snowboarder, to come on our next trip. They love music and Dan knows most of the bands they've hosted so the conversation went on and on. It was awesome.

Then last night we stayed at 17's house. "17" has two teenage kids at home, an amazing wife, and a 3-year-old granddaughter. The home was buzzing with energy and laughter and we had a great time. I even played video games. Me. Playing video games. So embarrassing in front of a 15-year-old boy. He was patient with me, though, and I saw how kind their family is through that experience.

The band van has a cattle skull on the front. It fits right in in the desert!

We found this gorgeous church when we took a wrong turn & ended up in a town called Guadalupe, AZ.

During the day, the rockstar has booking to do and I, the photographer, have editing and emailing to do. So, we've spent our days staring at our laptops. I hate computers. I am so excited that we are spending this entire weekend in the desert, away from civilization. I want to do the same hike down into the canyon as one of my favorite authors, Donald Miller, in his book Through Painted Deserts. I just hope I have the energy to hike it and take pictures!

Yesterday we were hanging out at a Starbucks then we got an oil change in the van. Exciting stuff! XOXO, Lindsy